"Mind you, the necromancer or necromancers who oppose us are not to be trifled with," Sabriel is continuing, frowning at the thought of more than one, and of Sam facing them along.

He is still so young - and looks it more than ever right now.

"If the dare to confront you, you must fight them in Life. Do not fight one of them in Death again, Sam. You were brave to do so before, but also lucky. You must also be very careful with the bells. As you know, they can force you into Death, or trick you into it. Use them only when you are confident you have learned the lessons in the book. Do you promise?"